As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the impact of mass tourism, Copenhagen is emerging as a pioneer in sustainable tourism with an innovative initiative: CopenPay. Set to run between July 15 and August 11, 2024, the pilot programme is designed to incentivise eco-friendly behaviors among visitors, transforming their actions into rewards for cultural experiences while promoting a greener urban environment.

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In recent years, many European cities have struggled with over-tourism, implementing measures and restrictions to mitigate its effects. This was the case in Venice, where local authorities introduced an entrance fee for day trippers, and Santorini, where the number of places for cruise ships has been capped to 8,000 passengers per day. 

Denmark’s capital Copenhagen has taken a different approach by encouraging tourists to engage in environmentally conscious activities. The city’s ambition is to shift the narrative of tourism from being an environmental burden to a catalyst for positive change.

The city of 600,000 people has long been recognised for its commitment to sustainability, aiming to become the world’s first carbon-neutral capital. The CopenPay initiative is just another step in this direction. It was developed based on the findings of a sustainability report from market research group Kantar published last year, which found a significant gap between people’s desire to act sustainably and their actual behaviors. While 82% of consumers expressed a wish to adopt more sustainable practices, only 22% indicated they had made concrete changes in their habits.

How It Works

CopenPay aims to bridge this gap by rewarding tourists who make environmentally friendly choices during their stay. Visitors will earn rewards for activities such as cycling, using public transportation, volunteering at urban farms, or partaking in canals and park clean-ups. The rewards can vary from free meals and guided museum tours to wine tastings and kayak rentals.

During an interview with Euronews Green, Mikkel Aarø-Hansen, Chief Executive of Wonderful Copenhagen, the tourism organization for the Capital Region of Denmark, explained that the goal is not just to generate immediate rewards but to inspire a shift in mindset about tourism. “The idea is not to increase tourism. It is all about how you behave at the destinations while you’re here in a more sustainable and climate-friendly manner. It’s about changing how we move, what we consume, and how we interact with locals,” he said. By making eco-conscious actions a form of currency, CopenPay aims to transform the way tourists engage with the city and its sustainable ethos.

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Simple Participation, Significant Impact

One of the most appealing aspects of CopenPay is its simplicity. Tourists only need to present proof of their eco-friendly actions – be it a bicycle rental receipt, a public transport ticket, or photos of themselves biking or participating in cleanup efforts – to start earning rewards. Currently, there are over twenty options to choose from, ensuring a diverse range of experiences for participants.

CopenPay is therefore built on trust, just as Danish society is the most trusting in the world. The ease of participation is intended to encourage a broader audience to engage with the programme and make sustainable choices throughout their visit.

Domino Effect

CopenPay is not only an attempt to create a more sustainable tourism model locally but also an effort to inspire other cities to follow suit. Aarø-Hansen and his team hope to demonstrate the success of this pilot project and encourage other municipalities to develop their own systems that promote sustainable tourist behaviors. 

By demonstrating its potential impact, the city hopes to lead a global movement towards responsible travel practices, reinforcing the idea that tourism can be a mutually beneficial experience for visitors, local communities, and the environment alike.

Featured image: Mark Tanggaard/Copenhagen Media Center.

The post Reimagining Travel: How Copenhagen’s ‘CopenPay’ Encourages Responsible Tourism Practices appeared first on Earth.Org.

Ski resorts around the world are facing unprecedented challenges due to the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and unpredictable weather events threatening the industry. In response to these challenges, many ski resorts are implementing a variety of climate adaptation strategies to ensure their viability in a warming world.

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1. Snowmaking

Perhaps one of the most well-known and used adaptation measures is the production of machine-made snow. With warmer temperatures leading to less natural snowfall, ski resorts are investing in snowmaking technology to ensure consistent snow cover on their slopes. 

Snowmaking involves producing snow artificially by spraying water and compressed air into the atmosphere. This technology allows resorts to supplement natural snowfall and extend their skiing seasons. By investing in snowmaking infrastructure, ski resorts can reduce their reliance on natural snow and maintain their snow cover even in warmer winters. However, snowmaking can be energy-intensive and costly. 

According to a 2023 study by the University of Waterloo, Canada and the University of Innsbruck, Austria investigating the energy usage associated with snowmaking in Canadian ski resorts, snowmakers utilize approximately 478,000 megawatt-hours of electricity –  with 130,095 tonnes of associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, equivalent to the energy consumption of nearly 17,000 homes in a year – and 43.4 million cubic meters of water to produce artificial snow. It is also interesting to know that only about 75% of the water that goes into the snow guns is turned into snow, the rest either remains in the gun or is blown away without freezing. 

This has pushed many resorts to look for alternative ways to make the process more sustainable. For instance, the ski resort of La Molina (Spain) is testing a new snowmaking technique that involves adding a mineral called feldspar -very abundant and efficient at triggering the freezing of water droplets- to the water used in snow guns. This is expected to allow improving the water conversion ratio up to 90% and reduce energy consumption by around 30%.  .

• Pros: Increases reliability of ski season
• Cons: Requires significant energy and water usage

2. Slope Development

Another key adaptation measure that can be used at ski resorts is slope development. Many resorts are redesigning their slopes to accommodate for changing snow conditions and optimize snow retention. This may involve regrading slopes, widening trails, incorporating more trees to create shaded areas, or adding snow fences to retain snow and prevent erosion. By strategically developing their slopes, ski resorts can better manage their snow resources. 

Some resort managers are developing new ski slopes located at higher altitudes. This is the case of Aspen Mountain, Keystone Resort and Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado, US.

• Pros: Helps preparing slopes in a way that reduces the amount of required natural snow to operate
• Cons: Can be a costly investment and have potential negative impacts on the local ecosystem

3. Snow Farming

Another innovative and effective adaptation measure is so-called “snow farming”. This technique involves collecting and storing snow from previous winters in shaded areas or insulated structures to preserve it during the summer months for future use. By stockpiling snow in advance, ski resorts can ensure a reliable snow base even in warmer winters. 

Snow farming can be particularly beneficial for ski resorts that experience unpredictable snowfall patterns or rely on early season snow to kick off their skiing seasons. By integrating snow farming practices into their operations, ski resorts can build resilience against climate variability, create a good snow base, and guarantee a consistent snow cover throughout the season. 

The strategy is only now beginning to gain traction, with snow farming already practiced in countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Switzerland.

• Pros: Helps ensure a consistent snow base throughout the ski season, reduces reliance on machine-made snow, and allows ski resorts to extend their operating season
• Cons: Requires significant investment in equipment and infrastructure, and can be labor-intensive and time-consuming to manage the whole process

4. Improving Climate Forecasting

Accurate climate forecasting is crucial for ski resorts to anticipate and prepare for changing weather patterns. Ski resorts are investing in advanced weather monitoring technologies and partnering with meteorological agencies to improve their climate forecasting capabilities. By tracking weather trends and predicting snow conditions, ski resorts can better plan their snowmaking, grooming, and slope maintenance activities. 

Real-time weather data can help resorts adjust their operations in response to sudden weather events and optimize their snow conditions for skiers. By enhancing their climate forecasting abilities, ski resorts can stay ahead of climate change impacts and adapt their operations accordingly.

• Pros: Helps making informed operational decisions more efficiently
• Cons: Advanced climate forecasting technologies are expensive and can be subject to errors and unpredictable weather events

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5. Market Diversification

As climate change impacts the ski industry, resorts are diversifying their market offerings to reduce their reliance on traditional winter tourism. Lots of ski resorts are expanding their activities beyond skiing and snowboarding to attract visitors year-round by investing in summer activities such as mountain biking, hiking, zip-lining or alpine slides. By diversifying their offerings, ski resorts can generate revenue during off-peak seasons and reduce their dependence on winter sports. Additionally, some resorts are promoting ecotourism and sustainability initiatives, such as the implementation of electric snow scooters to navigate through resorts, to attract environmentally conscious travelers. 

• Pros: Reduces dependence on seasonal fluctuation and helps attracting new customers and generates additional income
• Cons: Requires significant investment in infrastructure, marketing and staff training, and too many different activities can lead to a loss of identity and brand recognition

6. Industry Consolidation and Cooperation

To address the challenges of climate change, ski resorts are collaborating with industry partners and stakeholders to implement collective adaptation measures. Resorts are forming partnerships with neighboring resorts to share resources, coordinate snowmaking efforts, and collectively market their destinations. By collaborating with other resorts, ski areas can enhance their snow management capabilities, reduce operational costs, and create a more resilient industry. 

Additionally, some resorts are partnering with local communities, governments, and environmental organizations to develop sustainable tourism practices and protect their natural environments. By working together, ski resorts can strengthen their resilience to climate change and ensure the long-term sustainability of the ski industry.

• Pros: Increases efficiency and cost savings, and improves better response to climate change challenges
• Cons: Large corporations can take over local ski resorts and limit consumer choices

7. Operational Changes

Finally, ski resorts can reduce their environmental footprint and adapt to changing snow conditions by making operational changes. Some resorts are already implementing energy-efficient snowmaking equipment, optimizing grooming practices, promoting sustainable transportation options for guests and even generating renewable energy on-site. By reducing their energy consumption and carbon emissions, ski resorts can not only adapt but also minimize their contribution to climate change and mitigate its effects on their operations. 

Additionally, resorts may incorporate water conservation measures, waste reduction strategies, and recycling programs to minimize their environmental impact. By adopting all these sustainable practices, they can protect the natural resources that are essential for their operations and ensure the long-term sustainability of the ski industry.

• Pros: Reduces environmental impact and helps mitigating climate change
• Cons: Requires very high initial implementation costs

Final Thoughts

Ski resorts around the world can implement a variety of measures to adapt to the impacts of climate change and ensure their viability. By investing in snowmaking technology, slope development, snow farming, climate forecasting, market diversification, industry consolidation and operational changes, ski resorts can face changing snow conditions, reduce their environmental footprint and attract visitors all year-round. 

However, while these climate adaptation strategies can help ski resorts adapt to the impacts of a changing climate, it is important to remember that they are ultimately short-term solutions. Without addressing the root causes of climate change, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ski resorts may ultimately face the risk of maladaptation, where well-intentioned adaptation measures inadvertently contribute to further exacerbating global warming. It is therefore crucial for ski resorts to prioritize long-term sustainability measures and work towards creating a more resilient and adaptive industry for the future.

You might also like: Snow in Peril: The Impact of Climate Change on Ski Resorts in the Pyrenees

The post Adapting to a Warmer World: How Ski Resorts Are Thriving With Innovative Strategies appeared first on Earth.Org.

The picturesque Pyrenees mountain range has long been a haven for ski enthusiasts from around the world, offering breathtaking slopes, stunning landscapes, and a thriving economy for local communities. However, the future of skiing in the region is under threat due to the impact of climate change. Rising temperatures and decreasing snowfall over the last few years are jeopardising the winter season and threatening the tourism sector.

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Traditionally, skiing has provided a significant boost to the local economy in the Pyrenees. For decades, tourists have been flocking to the region during the winter months, leading to an economic boost for hotels, restaurants, and small businesses alike. Ski resorts also provide employment opportunities for local communities, ensuring livelihoods for many. 

The winter season, which typically runs from December to Easter, allows for a sustainable flow of visitors and ensures the viability of these businesses. The snow also serves as a vital resource for the environment, acting as a natural reservoir for the summer months, not only by supplying water to surrounding communities but also hydrating animals and plants.

Unfortunately, the current situation in the Pyrenees is dire. The relentless rise in temperatures over the last few decades has progressively shortened the winter season, leading to a decline in visitors and economic instability in the region. Snowfall patterns have become more irregular, resulting in a lack of the natural snow needed to maintain ski runs and forcing ski resorts to heavily rely on machine-made snow. Ski resorts that once thrived are now struggling to maintain their operations, as they battle to attract tourists without the guarantee of a reliable snow cover.

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Hottest Ski Season on Record

The winter season 2023-2024 seemed to be starting well. Thanks to early snowfall in November and a significant drop in temperatures that allowed for machine-made snow production, some ski resorts – including Ordino-Arcalís (Andorra), Porté-Puymorens (France), and Baqueira Beret (Spain) – decided to open ahead of schedule. Little did they know that things would change rapidly. 

Resort managers should have waited a little longer to open and preserve the available snow to create a good base layer for the months to come. No one was prepared for a sudden rise in temperatures and a lack of precipitation in December that would persist throughout the whole season, forcing them to close some plants much earlier than usual.

The beginning of 2024 marked a new low for Southern Europe in terms of temperature records. Ski resorts in the Pyrenees experienced temperatures up to 12C above the average on January 25, a phenomenon never seen before in the region. At the ski resort of Candanchú, Spain, located at over 1,500 metres of altitude, the mercury reached 18.4C, in Les Salines, near Ordino-Arcalís, Andorra, it went up to 22.6C; and at Formiguères’s ski resort in France, temperatures reached 20.7C.

Ski resort managers were in shock and deeply concerned. 

“We have positive temperatures, even at 2,600 metres of altitude, the highest point of the resort,” said Émilie Mothes, director of Piau-Engaly, the highest ski resort in the French Pyrenees. “At night, the thermometer currently reads between 2 and 4C,” too high to make artificial snow. 

On January 21, 2024, the ski resort of Beille et Chioula in France announced it would  shut operations citing lack of snow and elevated temperatures. 

At present, the snow reserve in the Pyrenees is only 56% compared to the average of the last five years. Even from afar, it is difficult to spot any trace of snow on the Pyrenees, as depicted in the following historical webcam images.

Le Chioula sector (alt. 1,600m) at the Espace Nordique des Vallées d’Ax ski resort, France

Saquet sector (alt. 2,000m) at the Ax 3 Domaines ski resort, France

Vall de Núria (alt. 2,000 m) ski resort, Spain

Uncertain Times Ahead 

The future of ski resorts in the Pyrenees remains uncertain. Whether the situation of winter 2024 is exceptional or not, there is a clear trend toward a widespread increase in temperatures. 

“In all mountain regions of Europe, future climate change will lead to degraded snow conditions in ski resorts compared to the last decades,” said Samuel Morin, senior scientist at Météo France and France’s National Centre for Scientific Research.

If the current trend of rising temperatures and diminishing snowfall continues, ski resorts will have to explore alternative solutions to avoid collapse. Currently, most of them are investing in more efficient snow-making technologies but these measures can only provide temporary relief. For that reason, many ski resorts in the Pyrenees are starting to actively engage in sustainable practices – from investing in renewable energy sources to promoting eco-friendly tourism – as they strive to reduce their environmental impact and adapt to changing conditions.

Pyrenean ski resorts are facing unprecedented challenges and an uncertain future due to the impacts of global warming. The decrease in snowfall, irregular snow patterns, and rising temperatures all pose significant threats to the viability of these resorts and the local economy. Ski resort managers are faced with the difficult task of finding alternative solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure their operations remain sustainable. Only by actively adapting to these changing conditions can the Pyrenean ski resorts hope to continue providing a boost to the local economy and preserving the natural beauty of the region for future generations. 

All photos in this article are screenshots of historical webcam images at different ski resorts in the Pyrenees. They were retrieved from the website infonieve.es

More on the topic: Europe’s Warmest Winter on Record Forces Closure of Ski Slopes

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